"A lithium salt, classified as a mood-stabilizing agent. Lithium ion alters the metabolism of biogenic monoamines in the central nervous system, and affects multiple neurotransmission systems." [ChemIDplus] Used in medicine for the treatment of bipolar depression and in manufacturing as a flux (glasses, enamels, and ceramics), additive (control cement setting times and produce aluminum, luminescent paints, vanishes, and dyes), coating (arc-welding electrodes), and catalyst; [CHEMINFO]

Comments

When dissolved in water, it is a strong irritant. [CAMEO] A 1% solution is an irritant with a pH of 11.2. It is poorly absorbed through the skin and has a vapor pressure of approximately zero. When used therapeutically, doses higher than 500-1800 mg/day may cause GI symptoms, thyroid dysfunction, muscle cramps, kidney injury, tremors, and convulsions. Persistent neurological symptoms have occurred after accidental or suicidal overdoses. Lithium salts cause developmental toxicity in humans at therapeutic doses (not in the occupational setting) with increased risk for major malformations, particularly cardiac, in the developing fetus. The minimum dietary requirement for lithium is probably less than 25 ug/day, and the average intake is about 100-2600 ug/day. [CHEMINFO]

Category

Salts, Basic

Description

White powder slightly soluble in water; [CAMEO]

Sources/Uses

"A lithium salt, classified as a mood-stabilizing agent. Lithium ion alters the metabolism of biogenic monoamines in the central nervous system, and affects multiple neurotransmission systems." [ChemIDplus] Used in medicine for the treatment of bipolar depression and in manufacturing as a flux (glasses, enamels, and ceramics), additive (control cement setting times and produce aluminum, luminescent paints, vanishes, and dyes), coating (arc-welding electrodes), and catalyst; [CHEMINFO]

Comments

When dissolved in water, it is a strong irritant. [CAMEO] A 1% solution is an irritant with a pH of 11.2. It is poorly absorbed through the skin and has a vapor pressure of approximately zero. When used therapeutically, doses higher than 500-1800 mg/day may cause GI symptoms, thyroid dysfunction, muscle cramps, kidney injury, tremors, and convulsions. Persistent neurological symptoms have occurred after accidental or suicidal overdoses. Lithium salts cause developmental toxicity in humans at therapeutic doses (not in the occupational setting) with increased risk for major malformations, particularly cardiac, in the developing fetus. The minimum dietary requirement for lithium is probably less than 25 ug/day, and the average intake is about 100-2600 ug/day. [CHEMINFO]